From the historic crossroads of Eurasia to the intersecting diversity of a new America, Ballet Afsaneh programs present eloquent testament to the unique Central Asian expressive arts.

This critically acclaimed, San Francisco Bay Area based performance ensemble presents the dance, music and poetry of the historic Silk Road networks of Eurasia. "Afsaneh" is a wonderful word, shared by the major language groups of the Silk Road, meaning "legend" or "mythic story". Traditional repertory includes the folkloric and classical dances of Iran, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Turkey, China and India. Contemporary work melds ancient art forms with modern dance and theater with a unique and richly imagistic approach. Ballet Afsaneh presents programs at various performing arts venues, festivals, universities, schools, community centers and special events. The company tours internationally and within the United States.
More about Ballet Afsaneh...

“The top tier of Bay Area world dance.”--- Alan Ulrich, Voice of Dance

Afsaneh Dance Academy
Dance is the universal language .... come dance with us! Master artists and performers share their joy and knowledge with students of all ages and backgrounds. Come experience the transforming, creative power of dance and music in all its many forms from Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan and more...
The Afsaneh Dance Academy offers weekly classes in the East Bay and San Jose.
Class Schedule...

Zaryab Music EnsembleA collaboration of outstanding world music artists promoting cross-cultural understanding, peace,
tolerance and environmental consciousness through musical performances that engage
international audiences. With fresh compositions sizzling with poetic lyricism, Zaryab melds the ancient with the future in contemporary
re-interpretations of music rooted in Persian and Central Asian traditions.Read More....

Tajik Dance Initiative - TDITajikistan, north of Afghanistan, east of Uzbekistan, to the west and north of Pakistan and China, this once remote region of the world maintains a deep connection to dance in all of its secular and spiritual forms. In 2005, AACS and the artists of our performance ensemble, Ballet Afsaneh, launched the Tajik Dance Initiative. The project sparked the formation of a new Tajik NGO in Dushanbe that provides programs, run by Tajik artists, scholars and arts administrators. The organization creates opportunities for collaborative work with local artists and their international counterparts, and supports dance and related expressive arts of Tajikistan. Read more about the Tajik Dance Initiative history on the project's Blogsite.....